MARTENS: HE TROYS SO HARD, PARROTT WANTS TO SCORE EVERY TIME

A DAY on from praising Troy Parrott’s selfless work for his teammates, AZ Alkmaar manager Maarten Martens insisted that the inform striker was pleased with the win despite not getting on the scoresheet against Shelbourne.

- By OISIN DOHERTY

With six goals in his last three games for club and country coming into last night's game, all eyes were on the Dubliner as he went toe to toe with the 2024 League of Ireland champions.

Parrott was well marshalled by Paddy Barrett and Mark Coyle throughout the evening, and on the couple of occasions that he escaped his markers, keeper Wessel Speel was up to the task and denied the attacker.

AZ weren't to be denied however, and with Parrott kept quiet, Mees de Wit and Isak Jensen were the heroes for the Eredivisie side as they condemned Shels to a third defeat in four Conference League games.